DoTr, DoE, DND tie as best agencies — poll

The Department of Transportation (DoTr), the Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of National Defense (DND) got the best score of nine out of 10 in an assessment done by Daily Tribune on the performance last year of various agencies based on the accomplishment report in the second year of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The review showed the three agencies showed performance of the most essential part of their duties and responsibilities.

DoTr started work on the P105-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) Manila to Clark project Phase 1 involving 38 kilometers (km) of railway line connecting Tutuban and Malolos, or the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project that is expected to speed up travel and transfer of goods between the two points.

It also kicked off the South East Metro Manila Expressway Project (SEMME), the first phase of the Metro Manila C-6 Expressway project which when completed will reduce travel time from Bicutan, Taguig to Batasan, Quezon City to only 35 minutes.

The agency also launched 10 traditional and one satellite radar which form part of the new communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems.

The agency also launched the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange (ITX) and produced 387,000 motor vehicle plates.

During the year, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is under the DoTr, was removed from the top 20 worst airports in the world according to “The Guide to Sleeping in Airports” travel website.

NAIA was also ranked during the year as 10th in the Most Improved Airports in the World 2018 list.

DoE gets high rating

The DoE, meanwhile, was credited for the stepped up electrification in the country.

As of December 2017, households with electricity connection were at 88.3 percent wherein 20,936,499 households out of the potential 23,716,028 (based on the actual households reported by distribution utilities in their distribution development plan) are enjoying the benefits of electricity access.

Electricity generation in 2017 was recorded at 94,730 gigawatthour (GWh) which was four percent higher compared with the previous year’s level of 90,764 GWh.

Installed power generating capacity increased from 18,765 megawatts (MW) in December 2015 to 22,728 MW in December 2017.

The country’s installed power generating capacity increased from 18,765 MW in December 2015 to 22,728 MW in December 2017.

It was also notable that from July 2016 to Dec 2016, 2,255 MW of newly operational power capacities have been delivered to the grid with Luzon securing 1,049 MW, Visayas with 449 MW and Mindanao with 757 MW.

Discounts to PUV

In March 2018, DoE also signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with oil companies in providing fuel discounts to public utility vehicles. This includes the P1 per liter discount in selected retail stations across the country.

Energy Regulatory Commission through Resolution 20 Series of 2017 reduced the systems loss charge that can be passed by distribution utilities to its consumers from the current 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent in 2018. This will also be gradually reduced to 5.5 percent by 2021.

Strong anti-terror efforts

The DND, meanwhile, focused on addressing terrorism and violent extremism through year-long operations against the Communist Terrorist Group which resulted in the neutralization of approximately 9,700 rebels and recovery of 2,246 firearms.

The budget allotted to the department was utilized with the highest efficiency and effectiveness performing excellence in public service.

8 agencies tie for 2nd

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Task Force Bangon Marawi, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, all got the second highest score of 8.5 out of ten which indicates highly satisfactory accomplishments in the agencies.